NAPOLEON

MASTER OF EUROPE

1805 – 1807

(ALISTAIR HORNE)

On 25^th June 1807, Napoleon met and embraced his recent foe, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, on a raft in the middle of the River Niemen near Tilsit.  This theatrical but historic occasion represented the pinnacle of Napoleon’s glory.  The Tsar was forced to accept an alliance dividing Europe into two spheres of influence, and Napoleon became supreme ruler of the continent of Europe West of Russia.

Alistair Horne traces Napoleon’s ascent to power in the years preceding this climax to his political and military career: the success of the ‘peace machine’, the formation of the impressive Grande Armée and the abortive plan to invade England.  The author examines in detail the strategic success of the Ulm-Austerlitz campaign in 1805 – ‘the first great battle of modern history’ – in which Napoleon decisively defeated the Austro-Russian army.  With the ensuing double-victory of Jena-Auerstädt in 1806 and the defeat of the Prussians, Napoleon became undisputed master of Central Europe.  In 1807, the drawn result of the Battle of Eylau – after which Napoleon admitted his ‘soul was oppressed to see so many victims’ – led to Napoleon’s crushing victory at Friedland which set the seal on the campaigns begun two years previously.

‘Napoleon, Master of Europe, is more than just a military history, for it also describes in colourful and convincing detail the background of contemporary social life in France, England and the other combatant nations.  The impressive and well researched text is fully illustrated with period paintings and is accompanied by twenty-five detailed strategy maps and charts.

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This 1979 1^st edition hardback book is in good / very good overall condition and displays little wear inside the book.  The pages are tightly bound and are free from tears, creases, and significant marks.  The dustjacket displays moderate wear in the form of knocks and bumps to the edges and a tear to the bottom of the spine of the front cover together with several nicks to the edges and chipping (see photograph).  All significant wear is restricted to the dustjacket.  The book runs to 232 pages (24.5cm x 18cm) which includes a working index and copious illustrations throughout the text.